Bonjean — Battle for union vote erupts in Ohio

30 Jul Bonjean — Battle for union vote erupts in Ohio

Republican strategists said that the union endorsements for Portman signal that momentum is on his side.

The endorsements “signal that the Democrats’ attempt to grab the state of Ohio just became much more difficult,” said Republican strategist Ron Bonjean.

Mark Weaver, an Ohio-based GOP strategist who consulted on Portman’s 2010 campaign, said that while the Buckeye State is no longer the union powerhouse it once was, in the eastern part of the state “having their support makes a big difference.”

“I think every endorsement in a close race matters,” he said.

One thing that has helped Portman secure union support is his work in the Senate on pension issue related to labor.